Asentamientos Tarahumares AC An Special Overview for West Point Class of 1955 Chihuahua, Mexico. September of 2010

Sustainable Life with Dignity for the Tarahumaras Providing the Tarahumara Native Indians with good living conditions, education and job opportunities. “Helping the Tarahumara’s with love and understanding to free them from the discrimination and exploitation they suffer has an important social impact.” “We have the option with our actions to give the Tarahumaras the opportunity to Live the Kingdom of God on Earth Today.” Father Oscar Raynal, September of 2010

About the Tarahumaras The “Rarámuri” or Tarahumara are an indigenous people of northern Mexico. Original inhabitants of most of the state of Chihuahua, the Tarahumaras were forced by the Spanish conquerors during the XVI century to retreat to the high sierra mountain of Chihuahua, now called Sierra Tarahumara or Copper Canyon. Through centuries, socio-economic growth has generated strong social disparity between “Chihuahua City-People” and the “Tarahumara People”. The Tarahumaras have been discriminated and forced to retreat to the high mountains living in isolation. Now they have been forced to migrate to the city where they are even in a more desperate need of help and compassion.

The Tarahumaras: People in Desperate Need of Help The Tarahumaras: Fascinating Culture, Traditions, Language In the past the Tarahumara were known to hunt deer on foot, chasing them until the deer tired and could be felled. The name Rarámuri means "foot-runner," and the people still live up to their name, expertly maneuvering the twisted terrain of the Sierra Madre. The Tarahumaras: Ancient Culture, Spiritual, Strong Family and Community Values

Tarahumaras in the high mountain sierra live in caves or in fragile cabins made of wood and stone. The Tarahumara population is of approximately 50,000 to 70,000 people (INEGI, 2006) They all speak their native Tarahumara Language …some speak Spanish

Nonetheless, in very poor and limited conditions, so poor they are not sufficient to cover their basic needs. At the High Sierra, they harvest corn and bean; some Tarahumaras still grow cattle and sheep. Nonetheless, in very poor and limited conditions, so poor they are not sufficient to cover their basic needs.

How Tarahumaras Survive in Chihuahua City Most of them survive with no basic living services: No Water, No Electricity, No Gas. Neither Health nor Public Safety Services. Housing with dirt floors made with pieces of foil and cardboard. Surviving with less than $2 USD per day, this is classified as extreme poverty by United Nations standards.

Despite Tarahumaras Strong Willingness to Improve They have no alternative but to migrate to the city: Lack of possibilities to provide their families with food or shelter at the Sierra. Lack of possibilities to provide their families with food or shelter at the Sierra. Hoping to improve their children’s education and future. Hoping to improve their children’s education and future. Because of Health or Safety Issues. Because of Health or Safety Issues. Only 10% pursue middle school because of their need to work to survive

9 It is estimated that over 1,000 Tarahumara families (5,000 people) live in Chihuahua City distributed in over 100 irregular settlements, without water, electricity, gas, public health and basic safety services. It is estimated that over 1,000 Tarahumara families (5,000 people) live in Chihuahua City distributed in over 100 irregular settlements, without water, electricity, gas, public health and basic safety services. Current “living” conditions …

We can change their life …

From living without dignity…

12 To LIVE in a clean, safe, drug free, and healthy environment where their children can develop their full potential, living happy and with DIGNITY. Safe to Play, Pray, Learn and Grow! We currently help more than 100 families (500 people), but we have only reached less than 10% of the Tarahumaras in desperate need of our help

Living with Dignity

Living with Dignity...

15 Community Center

16 Fully Furnished Homes with: Refrigerator Rest room Kitchen appliances Twin beds Boiler Fan

Full Development Plan Including: Housing Housing Food Food Health Health Jobs Jobs Education Education Sports Sports Culture Culture Spiritual Development Spiritual Development

Empowering them to become self-sufficient, not just fulfilling their immediate needs

New generations of Tarahumaras living with dignity, education, health, sports and spiritual strength.

Your help is needed to fund our ongoing efforts, and to expand our support to the Tarahumara families living in Chihuahua City

Drivers for Sustainable Empowerment of the Tarahumaras to Live with Dignity Your initial sponsorship made this dream a reality today, and now with your help we can achieve sustainable growth! Furnished Homes One fully furnished home is provided per family with kitchen furniture, refrigerator, stove, dining table & chairs, rest room fixtures, beds, and closets. Tarahumara traditions dance and music are respected, nurturing their spirituality through weekly mass and other religious celebrations done according to their traditions. Preserving Their Culture Nurturing Spirituality Preserving Their Culture Nurturing Spirituality Education & Sports School is mandatory for all children. Education is promoted and available for everyone, including Spanish lessons, computer classes, and job placement basic skills. Hygiene Habits, & Basic Health Services Hygiene Habits, & Basic Health Services Good hygiene practices to promote a healthy environment Basic health care services are provided. Along with recreational playground to promote sports. Job Placement Basic job skills training and job placement aid is provided. Traditional hand craft articles are made by the Tarahumara residents, along with commercialization & promotional help. Discipline & Rules Of Engagement Discipline & Rules Of Engagement One Tarahumara Governor and one ATA Lead Volunteer live in the complex to enforce Children’s education, Hygiene & Health, No Alcohol, No Drugs, No Begging in the Streets

YOUR Contribution Will Help Tarahumaras to LIVE with Dignity Now and for Future Generations!!!

Your initial sponsorship made this DREAM a REALITY today, and now with your help we can achieve sustainable growth! Thank You !!!